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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Donald Blair Barber (NSN: 0-337252), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on a mission against units of the Japanese Fleet in Hiroshima Bay on 19 March 1945. Flying through intense anti-aircraft fire from shore batteries and large warships he vigorously participated in an attack which severely damaged a large fleet tanker. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 82 (VT-82)

    Regiment:

    Air Group 82 (AG-82)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Bennington (CV-20)

    Action Date:

    April 7, 1945
    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0592 (July 4, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Donald Blair Barber (NSN: 0-337252), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron EIGHTY-TWO (VT-82), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in action on 7 April 1945, in an attack against a powerful Japanese Task Force in the vicinity of Kyushu, Japan. Together with his Division Leader, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Barber pressed home a coordinated two-plane attack which scored a torpedo hit on an enemy cruiser or large destroyer and contributed materially to the sinking of the vessel. The attack was made in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire of all calibers from other warships in the formation. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Barber’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 82 (VT-82)

    Regiment:

    Air Group 82 (AG-82)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Bennington (CV-20)

    Action Date:

    February 16 – May 14, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Donald Blair Barber (NSN: 0-337252), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights in operations against the enemy in the vicinity of Honshu, Kyushu, Nanpo Shoto and Nansei Shoto. As pilot of a carrier-based plane during the period 16 February to 14 May 1945, he participated in twenty strikes against enemy shipping and ground installations, inflicting extensive damage. His skill and courage were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.